23 The better choice

I had been anticipating that question since the day he saw me went on a date with Nathan. "It's one date, and it didn't work out," hoping it would assure Daniel that nothing was between Nathan and me.

"I like you, Scarlet. More than just a friend. I don't want to pressure you if you're not ready, but I just want to let you know of my intention." Daniel's eyes were full of hope. I guessed this was a good time to tell him.

I turned to look at him. "I like you too, Daniel. I'm willing to give us a chance, but can we take it slow." I rested my hand at his forearm.

If there was any indication that he was happy with my statement, then his wide smile said it all. "You made me very happy." He raised his lips to mine and skimmed it gently. The kiss filled me with satisfaction that I made the better choice.

He guided me to a wide-opened door, wherein a well-suited man by the name George was standing and directed us to proceed to the family room where the clients were already waiting. It seemed that we were already late by fifteen minutes. He made an excuse, and Mr. Grayson gladly accepted the apology.

As Daniel introduced me as his date, a gorgeous, blonde-haired, young woman, which resembled Mrs. Grayson, appeared in another doorway escorted by Nathan. I perceived her to be the same age as me.

I suddenly felt underdress and out of place with the way she carried herself with her elegant evening dress, where the thin strap laid on her slender shoulder, the tight fit ensemble showcase her delicate curves. She could easily pass as a supermodel with her tall and slim frame, fair-skinned, and beautiful face.

Nathan was in an expensive suit just like Daniel but had slightly bulkier muscles defining his body. Nathan was also an inch or so taller. In my estimate would be around 6'2" that was if I was not mistaken.

Under normal circumstances, I would not think of Daniel in the same way as Nathan. I supposed Daniel downplayed his social status because of his point of view. Observing them now, both were the epitome of money and power.

"That is my daughter, Geraldine. Nathan was kind enough to show her around the garden while we waited for you," Mrs. Grayson introduced delightedly, pointing her to me from the short distance. As they walked closer, I observed how they interacted with each other. She was looking at him with fondness in her eyes.

"Daniel, it's nice to see you again. I miss you." Geraldine hurriedly hugged Daniel while he greeted her back with a peck on her cheeks.

"It has been a while. I miss you too." Daniel said. She was curious about the kind of relationship they all have. They appeared to be moving in the same circles where everybody knew each other.

"By the way, this is Scarlet." Daniel gestured to me. "Scarlet, meet Geraldine, my childhood friend," he added. That explained it.

"Nice to meet you," extending my hand. Instead of taking it, Geraldine gave me a slight hug, which took me by surprise.

"I'm happy to meet you." Geraldine's genuine smile was infectious. I could not help but returned the gesture.

Daniel and Nathan made the usual curt greeting as we proceeded to the dining hall. Nathan acknowledge me with a nod and a blank expression, which made me respond in the same way. The dinner was delicious as I expected. The conversation was about a hotel venture their companies were planning to build together.

Nathan was at the head of the large, rectangular shape table, wherein sitting on his left was Geraldine, her father, and her mother, while on his right was Daniel and me. I was just glad that I was not sitting beside him.

Based on their conversations, Daniel and his company would be in charge of the construction. If my summation was correct, Daniel was not just an ordinary employee. Unlike in my previous presumption, he was someone in the top management of the company or someone higher.

Although Daniel did his best to include me in some of the conversations, I nonetheless felt overwhelmed. I would not know anything about business, buildings, and the likes. I was a mere waitress who did not even finish secondary school.

From the expensive china and silver cutleries, the exquisite ornaments, the brightly shining chandelier to the sophisticated individuals gathered at this table, everything in here screamed wealth. I was very well out of my league.

Mrs. Grayson suggested that we continued our dessert in the garden while the men proceeded to their meeting in the library. Next thing, I was being ushered to a big glass door and out into a massive garden. Being alone with these two impressive women, I felt intimidated. I wondered if I should excuse myself and just left.

What had I gotten myself into this time? Gemma mentioned before that Daniel came from a wealthy family, but I never realized the extent of his fortune. Daniel always appeared to be just the boy next door, wearing casual clothes when he visited. Drove a slightly used pickup truck and not the kind of cars wealthy people used.

He might think that I could fit in his world, but I was not sure about that. It was too different from mine. Tonight, I saw a glimpse of the disparity in our social standing. It was too big a deal not to matter.

We settled down on a quaint round table located beside a magnificent size oval swimming pool, which happened to be at the center of the vast lawn. Beautiful exotic flowers and plants were scattered sporadically in the different corners of the garden.

"I hope you don't mind Scarlet if I had to drag you out here. I just couldn't stand their boring business nonsenses." The elderly-woman stated with a sweet smile. She sat on one side of the square table while Geraldine settled on her right.

"I don't mind. Honestly, I'm thinking of leaving." I remained standing as I excused myself.

However, Mrs. Grayson would not have it. She pulled me in a chair and started with a light conversation. It turned out that they were quite accommodating, both mother and daughter.

Mrs. Grayson patted my hands with motherly affection as she assured me that she was enjoying my company. Her gentle face, even if it was slightly wrinkled, still radiated the beauty she once possessed. She also exuded friendliness that only someone with a kind heart could emanate.

She gently squeezed my hands before moving them to her lap. "I insist that you call me Claire", her warm gesture reminded me of my mom. Very friendly and very entertaining. I interacted with them effortlessly, as if we were known each other for quite some time.

Claire loved to talk about her family and her past as I learned that she was a self-built entrepreneur. She started her fashion business with a single sewing machine and hard work.

Last year, Geraldine began training under her mom as a new fashion designer. Although she did some modeling in the past, she was happier designing the clothes than wearing them on the runway. Claire wanted her to take over the business as soon as she was capable, hopefully in a couple of years.

Who knew that I would be able to enjoy their company? I was glad to meet new friends.